Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Sun 24 May 2026 9:10, UK

Everton’s summer window must include the addition of a new number nine, with Santiago Castro a prime candidate to arrive in Merseyside.

Castro has been linked with a move to Hill Dickinson over the last few months and was even subject to reported talks back in the winter window.

David Moyes’ side failed to secure European football, largely down to their inability to close games out.

With a new striker leading the line, that would be one clear-cut solution to addressing those problems heading into next season.

Ahead of Everton’s transfer business, they are sure to be weighing up all the options at their disposal, but Castro may represent the best value on the market.

How much do Bologna want for Santiago Castro?

Castro has been making a name for himself in the Serie A over the last two years, and his time at Bologna could be coming to an end due to that.

With Everton in the hunt for a new number nine, Castro is certainly one of those options.

Back in March, Tuttomercato in Italy had reported that Bologna would be seeking a fee at least around the £34.6million mark.

Interestingly, Everton were looking to snap Castro up for £31m back in the winter transfer window. However, nothing would come from that.

It is quite a steep fee for a young striker such as the 20-year-old, especially seeing as he has only hit seven goals in the Italian top flight. A seasonal total beaten by Thierno Barry in England, who has received plenty of criticism.

However, that price may actually be a bargain for the Argentine.

How much is Santiago Castro valued at?

The CIES Football Observatory’s fair transfer market value model actually has the Bologna star priced at around £52.6m to £60.4m.

So, if the Serie A club are willing to listen to offers as the previous reports suggest, then Castro could be an excellent market opportunity for the Toffees.

A striker is certainly needed in the summer, but questions will arise about the experience of the 20-year-old. The Merseyside club have already tried blooding in young strikers over the past few years to no avail.

David Moyes’ side may not have the luxury of waiting for a striker to come good this time around, and they need a plug-and-play option.

But with that price tag and market value, it could be too good of a market opportunity to turn down.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.